West Midlands Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament

Nuclear Power

March 2016

Greenpeace activists blocked a truck convoy from reaching a French nuclear plant early on February 12 to protest against nuclear power in France. The convoy was carrying the lid to the nuclear vat at the Flamanville EPR reactor (Evolutionary Power Reactor) in northwestern France — the sole nuclear reactor under construction in France. Two Greenpeace activists climbed on top of the lorry’s cargo holding signs calling nuclear power a “dead end.” Another laid out underneath the truck to prevent it from moving.

French energy utility EDF saw 2015 net profit plunge 68 percent on asset impairments and cut its dividend, but the state-controlled company said it remained committed to the UK nuclear power plant project at Hinkley Point.

Europe’s nuclear power industry wants to build another 100 reactors between now and 2050, but has said it is missing a stable regulatory framework to attract investment. The nuclear lobby is calling on the European Commission to set a clear regulatory framework to attract investment in newbuilds.

Scottish consumers stand to benefit from a decision to extend the lifespan of the Torness nuclear power station, according to experts. The announcement sparked a furious row as Scottish ministers accused the UK Government of “deterring” investment in renewables and Labour and the Conservatives said the SNP risked letting the lights go out. The Scottish Greens also claimed that Scotland’s energy policy was being dictated by a private French firm. The Scottish Government opposes the building of any new nuclear plants. But SNP ministers say that they are not against extending the life of current operations.